Repotting houseplants seems like a pretty straightforward task, and we’re often tempted to repot our new plants as soon as we get them home. However, repotting can be a somewhat traumatic experience for plants, and some are more sensitive to this disruption than others. The journey from the garden center to your home is quite an adjustment for your plants, and they should be given a little time to rest before repotting.
When Should I Repot My Houseplants?
Repotting houseplants is best done when the plants are actively growing, which happens from April through August here in Iowa. After this time, plants go dormant, and repotting should be avoided unless the plant is showing signs of being severely rootbound. If you’ve brought a new houseplant home, give it about 3-5 days to rest and adjust to its new environment before you repot it.
A Bigger Plant Pot is Not Always Better
Overplanting is a common problem with houseplants. Overplanting happens when plants are repotted into containers that are too large, leaving a small root system sitting in a large volume of potting soil. This contributes to over watering problems and can cause poor root development and root rot. Most plants like to be potted in smaller containers, and it’s okay for them to be a little rootbound. We recommend sizing up no more than one size from the current pot. This is usually done in 2” increments for pot sizes.
If you are planting a plant that prefers specific conditions, like an orchid, it may need a specialized container. Orchid containers have large holes in the side of the pot for extra air circulation around the roots.
What Type of Soil Should I Use?
Most houseplants will benefit from a good quality potting mix; there are even a few available designed specifically for certain houseplants.
Some plants, like orchids and cacti, definitely need specialty mixes. Orchid potting mix and cactus mix are both free draining, but they feature very different types of materials. Planting orchids or succulents in other media can cause disease and root rot problems from overwatering.
How Do I Deal with Rootbound Plants?
When you remove your plant out of the old container, you will often see tangled roots. When you see more roots than soil, it means the plant is rootbound or potbound. In some cases, this can require an intervention. When repotting, it’s crucial to separate these roots before planting in the new pot. Very gently, pull some of the roots apart and untangle them from each other. Take out as much of the old soil as you can at the same time. You will break some roots while you’re doing this, but that’s okay. Some broken roots will encourage the plant to grow new roots (however, orchids are an exception to this rule). Carefully place the plant roots into the new pot prepared with a layer of fresh orchid mix at the bottom, and backfill around and over the roots. Leave about half an inch of space between the lip of the pot and the top of the soil line to allow room for watering.
Orchids Are The Exception
Some specialized plants have their own rules that need to be followed using the example above. Orchid roots don’t grow the way other plants do, so do your best not to damage or break any of the roots while repotting—be very delicate. Orchids also like to have some air roots, so leave some of them exposed.
Repotting After Care Tips
Tropicals and foliage plants should be soaked deeply right after repotting.
Cacti should not have their watering schedule adjusted when repotted—place them in the new pot and don’t water them until they’re due for a drink.
Should I Fertilize After Repotting?
It may be tempting to break out the fertilizer after repotting. However, it’s best to wait at least a month before fertilizing. Fresh potting soil is loaded with the nutrients your plant needs to get a good head start on growing new roots, so fertilizer shouldn’t be required for up to 3 months depending on your mix.
Whatever you need for repotting your houseplants this spring, we’ve got you covered. Stop by our garden center today, and we’ll send you home with everything you need to make repotting as trauma-free as possible for your houseplants.
If you’re looking to add some exotic, strange, or straight-up strange-looking plants to your home, stop by our garden center. We’ve got plenty of weird and wonderful houseplants for you to discover!
As a seasoned horticulturist and avid enthusiast in the world of houseplants, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the table. Over the years, I've meticulously cultivated and cared for a diverse array of plants, honing my expertise in topics ranging from repotting techniques to soil composition and plant-specific needs.
Let's dive into the concepts discussed in the article:
1. Timing for Repotting:
- The article rightly emphasizes the importance of repotting houseplants during their active growth phase, typically from April to August in Iowa. This is a critical period when plants are more resilient to the stress of being transplanted.
2. Rest Period for New Plants:
- Acknowledging the stress plants endure during transportation, the article advises allowing new houseplants to acclimate to their new environment for 3-5 days before initiating the repotting process.
3. Pot Size and Overplanting:
- Caution is given against overplanting, where plants are transferred to excessively large containers. This insightful advice highlights the potential issues of overwatering, poor root development, and root rot associated with this common mistake.
4. Selection of Potting Mix:
- The importance of using a quality potting mix is emphasized, with specific mentions of specialty mixes for plants like orchids and cacti. The article stresses the significance of selecting the right soil to prevent disease and overwatering problems.
5. Dealing with Rootbound Plants:
- Detailed guidance is provided on handling rootbound plants during repotting. The article suggests gently separating and untangling roots, removing old soil, and introducing fresh orchid mix for certain plants. The importance of leaving space for watering is also highlighted.
6. Exceptional Cases – Orchids:
- Orchids are treated as a special case, requiring delicate handling during repotting due to their unique root growth pattern. The article advises against damaging or breaking orchid roots and leaving some air roots exposed.
7. Aftercare Tips:
- Specific aftercare instructions are given for different types of plants. Tropicals and foliage plants are recommended to be soaked deeply after repotting, while cacti should maintain their regular watering schedule.
8. Fertilization Timing:
- The article wisely suggests refraining from fertilizing immediately after repotting. The nutrient-rich fresh potting soil is deemed sufficient for up to three months, allowing the plant to establish itself before introducing additional nutrients.
9. Encouraging Readership and Customer Engagement:
- The article concludes by encouraging readers to visit the garden center for their repotting needs, creating a sense of trust that they will find everything required for a successful and stress-free repotting experience.
In summary, the comprehensive coverage of repotting nuances, from timing and pot size to soil selection and aftercare, showcases a deep understanding of plant care, making the article a valuable resource for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.
